Prediction of liquid accumulation in a shale gas pipeline

Liquid accumulation in low-lying and uphill sections of undulating shale gas pipelines significantly threatens transportation efficiency, pressure stability, and pipeline integrity due to corrosion. Accurate prediction of liquid holdup is therefore critical for flow assurance. This study investigates the liquid distribution in a shale gas pipeline through orthogonal testing, analyzing key operational factors including water and gas flow rates. The formation mechanisms and the relative significance of these factors on liquid accumulation are systematically elucidated. Subsequently, a predictive mathematical model correlating operational parameters with liquid accumulation volume is developed. The model's accuracy is rigorously validated against simulation results obtained from the industry-standard OLGA multiphase flow software. The findings of this study establish a theoretical foundation for optimizing pigging operations, thereby enhancing pipeline transport efficiency and reducing operational costs.